sinless body and has entered heaven with the value of his blood.

The new covenant, validated by Jesus’ blood, is superior to the Law covenant. Those in the new covenant have God’s laws in their hearts and enjoy forgiveness of sins. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) Gratitude for this moves them to make public declaration of their hope and to assemble with fellow believers. Unlike them, willful sinners no longer have any sacrifice for sins.

Faith Is Vital!

To benefit from the superior new covenant, we need faith. (10:32–12:29) Endurance is also needed if we are to receive what Jehovah has promised. As encouragement to endure, we have a ‘great cloud’ of pre-Christian witnesses surrounding us. Especially, however, should we consider closely Jesus’ flawless course under suffering. Any suffering that God allows to befall us may in a sense be viewed as discipline that can yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness. The reliability of Jehovah’s promises should increase our desire to render sacred service to him “with godly fear and awe.”

Paul concludes with exhortations. (13:1-25) Faith should move us to display brotherly love, be hospitable, remember suffering fellow believers, hold marriage in honor, and be “content with the present things.” We should imitate the faith of those taking the lead in the congregation and should obey them. Moreover, we must avoid apostasy, bear the reproach Jesus bore, “always offer to God a sacrifice of praise,” and continue to do good. Such conduct is also among the superior features of true Christianity.

Bringing the Light to Remote Places in Bolivia

NORTH and east of Bolivia’s lofty mountains lie flat tropical lowlands, lush with vegetation. These are divided by turbulent rivers that wind through jungles and pampas. What is it like to preach the Kingdom good news in such remote areas?

Imagine yourself in a large canoe, shaped from a hollowed-out tree trunk and driven by a motor at the back. This was the experience of six full-time ministers from Trinidad, a city in the El Beni section of Bolivia. They had planned this trip so that they could witness at river settlements never before reached with the “good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 24:14) After cutting through a wide expanse of sparkling water, their craft began navigating a narrow stream in the direction of the Mamoré River.

One in the group relates: “We had almost reached the Mamoré when we discovered that the last part of the stream was dry. Getting out of the boat, we found ourselves sinking in mire up to our thighs! My wife lost her shoes trying to get free. But with the help of passersby, we were able to haul the heavy canoe out of the mud and onto more solid ground. After two laborious hours, we reached the Mamoré.

“We then motored smoothly up the river, which was flanked by high banks with abundant tropical vegetation. At the sound of the motor, large turtles slipped off floating logs, while graceful dolphins at times arched out of the waters. Our first stop